What role does sensationalism play in crime reporting?

Sensationalism in crime reporting plays a significant role by exaggerating certain elements of crime, which serves to heighten audience engagement. Media outlets often emphasize shocking details, dramatic narratives, or particularly violent incidents to capture viewers’ or readers’ attention. This practice can lead to heightened emotional responses from the audience and can create a perception that crime is more rampant or severe than it may actually be.

This approach often prioritizes storytelling and entertainment value over factual reporting, which can skew public perception of crime rates and safety. By amplifying fear or outrage, sensationalism can lead to increased viewership or readership, which is a key objective for many media organizations operating in a competitive environment.